Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC vs DHS Hurricane Long 5: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | DHS Hurricane Long 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| feel | Crisp and direct with noticeable dwell on contact; slightly softer arc than Viscaria Super ALC | hard, powerful |
| handle | Flared (FL), Straight (ST), Anatomic (AN) — notably thicker grip than Viscaria | FL/ST |
| plies | 5 wood plus 2 arylate-carbon (ALC) — Koto / ALC / Limba / Kiri / Limba / ALC / Koto | 5W+2 Arylate-Carbon |
| speed | OFF | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | approx 5.7mm | 5.9 |
| weight_g | 87-92g typical | 89 |
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Fan Zhendong is outer-ALC, crisp and direct at 5.7mm; DHS Hurricane Long 5 (8.6) is inner-carbon, thicker (5.9mm) and packed with control. Long 5 trades raw power for a catapult effect and large sweet spot that guides high, safe arcs—ideal for tacky Chinese rubber loopers. Fan Zhendong unleashes more power and punishes passive opponents better.
Long 5 plays like a ‘smart’ inner-carbon blade with exceptional control when you slow tempo. Not actually faster than outer-carbon blades despite OFF+ badge, so technique must be sharp. Fan Zhendong is the pure attacker’s tool: faster, more direct, and forgiving at full power. Long 5 suits intermediate-to-advanced players with solid tacky-Chinese forehand technique and mid-table game. Fan Zhendong is safer for varying playing styles and rubber pairings.
FAQ
Which handles speed variations better?
Fan Zhendong forgives passive play and variable pacing. Long 5 demands developed looping technique or it feels slow and flat.
Can Long 5 beat Fan Zhendong in spin?
With tacky rubber, Long 5’s dwell and catapult are comparable. Fan Zhendong’s outer-ALC gives more direct feedback.
Is Long 5 heavy?
Yes, around 89-93g. Fan Zhendong’s 87-92g range is lighter and easier to maneuver.